Monitors and AMP

[Gibbzki]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking for a set of compact monitor speakers and something to power them. I'm a hobbyist producer so I run a minimal setup and currently produce/mix on AKG271 MK2's. While this works to a point when I listen to it in the car (The best Hifi I own ) I notice all sorts of issues i.e. sub bass probs, noises/crackles etc.

I run a Windows 8 Laptop with a on board soundcard (ASIO4ALL) so I guess I'll need some kind of external card/amp. I need to keep clutter down to a minimum to keep wife happy and kids away!

Would another set of headphones help instead? Sorry for all the questions but I haven't been in the market for this type of gear for a long time!

Thanks

[Mushy Mushy]

Look for an active monitor solution (ie, integrated amp and speaker).
What's your budget? These run from £50 - £500,000

And then you'd need a small external soundcard.
You'd be looking at £150 - £200 for something from Native Instruments, Mackie, Focusrite etc.

[BertKoor]

And then you'd need a small external soundcard.

That would be a benefit, but I'd say it's just luxury. Start with proper monitors first, these are currently the weakest link in the chain. Onboard audio has come a long way, I'd say it's decent enough. Until you start noticing it's limitations, then it's time to improve that component.

[Mushy Mushy]

And then you'd need a small external soundcard.

That would be a benefit, but I'd say it's just luxury. Start with proper monitors first, these are currently the weakest link in the chain. Onboard audio has come a long way, I'd say it's decent enough. Until you start noticing it's limitations, then it's time to improve that component.

You have a very valid point, but I still maintain a necessity due simply to having a volume knob at your hands.

[tehlord]

AKG K701's would be a considerable upgrade from the K271's and would probably be a better bet than any set of monitors under €500/$700 in a room that's most likely untreated.

I have both the 271's and 701's

If you do want a small set of monitors, the Tannoy 601A's are superb for the little money they cost and don't need an amp to power them as they're active. I would probably recommend getting a small USB soundcard as well, but even a used Saffire 6 (should be cheap and plentiful) would serve you well.

[Gibbzki]

Thank you all some great advise and ideas. Will have a look at lunch also the AKG701's sounds interesting as well.

[thecontrolcentre]

I would go for active monitors and an external audio interface, or if that is too expensive, a cheap hi-fi system.

[psychoxkps]

I recommend you like mushy mushy says active speakers.. I will be buying(now I run on logitechs:D) m-audio m3-8 with sbx10 subwoofer and with complete audio 6 from ni u got it whole for 1250euros.. for me it is like a win:))

[filtafreq]

SOD AMPS ...GO ACTIVE